ICE Expands Footprint Nationwide During Government Shutdown

Documents reveal surge in lease acquisitions for new ICE facilities across the U.S., raising concerns about immigration enforcement impact on local communities.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Despite a government shutdown impacting other federal agencies, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been aggressively expanding its footprint across the United States. Documents show a surge in lease acquisitions for new ICE facilities, with the agency citing 'urgent' space requirements and 'unusual and compelling urgency' linked to an executive immigration order. The expansion is not limited to major metro areas, but extends to cities and towns nationwide, raising questions about the future of immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities.

Why it matters

This rapid ICE expansion during a government shutdown highlights the prioritization of the administration's immigration enforcement agenda, even as other federal agencies faced potential budget constraints and layoffs. The influx of new ICE personnel and legal proceedings could strain local resources and significantly increase immigration enforcement activities in previously underserved communities.

The details

In October 2025, the General Services Administration (GSA) continued awarding leases for new ICE facilities, despite the government shutdown. Internal memos cited 'urgent' space requirements and 'unusual and compelling urgency' linked to an executive immigration order. By early November, 19 new ICE projects had been awarded in cities like Nashville, Dallas, Sacramento, and Tampa, with additional locations in the pipeline. The expansion includes establishing ICE's presence in new cities like Birmingham, Boise, Louisville, and Milwaukee, as well as growing the agency's legal operations with nearly 1,000 new attorneys.

  • On October 6, 2025, an internal ICE memo directed the GSA to prioritize lease acquisitions for new facilities.
  • On October 9, 2025, the Trump administration announced potential cuts to 'Democrat programs' during the government shutdown.
  • On October 29, 2025, an HSI memo requested the GSA to expedite nationwide lease acquisitions, citing 'unusual and compelling urgency'.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for immigration enforcement and investigations.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

A major department within ICE that focuses on criminal investigations related to national security and public safety.

General Services Administration (GSA)

An independent agency of the United States government that manages and supports the basic functioning of federal agencies.

Trump administration

The presidential administration of Donald Trump, which prioritized aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This rapid ICE expansion during a government shutdown highlights the administration's continued prioritization of aggressive immigration enforcement, even as it strains local resources and significantly increases the federal government's presence in communities across the country.